Conservation Authorities: Protecting People and Property
South Nation Conservation (SNC) updates floodplain and erosion maps (or natural hazard maps) on behalf of its partner municipalities when requested, specifically in areas facing increased development pressures.
Natural hazard maps are used by municipalities and SNC when updating Official Plans and zoning schedules, and in reviewing development applications to protect people and property from natural hazards and guide sustainable development activities.
Regulation areas included on draft maps include the greatest of whichever natural hazard is present: floodplain or riverine erosion. It's important to speak with the Conservation Authority when considering developing in these areas to determine what type of hazard or constraint may exist.
Development projects within natural hazard areas (like floodplains) require permission from the Conservation Authority before proceeding. Please visit SNC's Regulations Webpage to learn more about regulations made under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, (Ontario Regulation 170/06 Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alteration to Shorelines and Watercourses).
Public Consultations
When updating natural hazard maps after completing a comprehensive study, Conservation Authorities will invite affected property owners to review draft maps and provide any comments during public consultations.
Consultations help update Regulation Areas where permission (through a permit) may be required for certain construction or shoreline development activities. Please note that these consultations do not replace any municipal requirements or public notices to update policies or zoning schedules.
Consultation dates are regularly posted on SNC's website calendar, upcoming details can be found below.
Public Consultations on Natural Hazard Mapping
South Nation Conservation (SNC) invites watershed residents living in three separate mapped areas to attend virtual Open Houses in February 2024 to learn more about newly developed Floodplain and Erosion Natural Hazard maps.
Residents and stakeholders with properties along the shoreline of the South Branch of the South Nation River within the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG), the Bear Brook within the City of Ottawa and United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) and the Castor River within the City of Ottawa and UCPR are welcome to join SNC staff to learn more about the floodplain mapping project and ask questions during the live public information session.
Please join us online:
South Branch of the South Nation River within SDG
Tuesday February 20, 2024
6:00pm - 7:00pm
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE RECORDED MEETING
Bear Brook Watershed within UCPR
Wednesday February 21, 2024
6:00pm - 7:00pm
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE RECORDED MEETING
Castor River within the City of Ottawa and UCPR
Monday February 26, 2024
6:00pm - 7:00pm
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE RECORDED MEETING
Please note that these study areas are already regulated by the Conservation Authority and the previously mapped floodplain is already contained in municipal zoning.
This project has been completed by SNC using state-of-the-art digital topographic information, water resource modelling and field surveys to better understand the flow of water and the location of floodplains during various storm events.
I missed the Open House. Can I still ask a question?
Residents who wish to learn more following the information session may schedule a private meeting with SNC staff, either online or in-person at SNC's office in Finch. Meetings weekdays and evenings between March 1st and March 22nd, 2024
To schedule your meeting, please call 1-877-984-2948 or
CLICK HERE to Access the Public Consultation 1-on-1 Meeting Request Form
Maps
Final natural hazard mapping reports are added to the Reports section of SNC's website, and updated maps are added to SNC's public Geoportal. Note: the maps are not yet approved by SNC's Board of Directors and remain in draft form until after the public consultation period.
Please note that the "Regulation Area" is displayed on draft mapping. This area includes the greatest of either hazard: 1:100 year floodplain or riverine erosion hazard, plus a buffer. Examples will be shared during consultation meetings.
SOUTH BRANCH OF THE SOUTH NATION RIVER
Access the draft maps here:
Looking for information for a specific property?
Click here to access the Interactive Property Map.
This webmap allows residents to enter their address to view where the former and updated regulations limits and floodplain and erosion hazards are present.
* Please note: To select or unselect layer options for the interactive property map, please navigate to the icons at the top right of the screen.
BEAR BROOK WATERSHED
Access the draft maps here:
Looking for information for a specific property?
Click here to access the Interactive Property Map.
This webmap allows residents to enter their address to view where the former and updated regulations limits and floodplain and erosion hazards are present.
* Please note: To select or unselect layer options for the interactive property map, please navigate to the icons at the top right of the screen.
CASTOR RIVER WATERSHED
Access the draft maps here:
Looking for information for a specific property?
Click here to access the Interactive Property Map.
This webmap allows residents to enter their address to view where the former and updated regulations limits and floodplain and erosion hazards are present.
* Please note: To select or unselect layer options for the interactive property map, please navigate to the icons at the top right of the screen.
**This webpage will display information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience.
Request a 1-on-1 Meeting
Meetings can be held virtually via Microsoft Teams link or in-person at SNC's office in
Finch, Ontario and can be scheduled based on availability (morning, afternoon, evening)
between March 1st and March 22nd 2024.
Click HERE to Book Your Meeting with SNC
Press Release - SNC to Host 2024 Virtual Natural Hazards Open Houses in February
Letters to Property Owners living within the regulatory line:
Additional Resources
Understanding flood messages and preparing your family and property for a potential flood is the best defence. SNC has prepared resources to provide guidance to property owners before and after a flood event. Flooding can create problems in and around your home; take a moment to become familiar with these resources. Stay up to date with your municipality during emergency response.
Factsheets:
- What is a Floodplain?
- Permitting in Protected Areas
- Preparing for Flood Events
- After the Flood; Your Septic System
- After the Flood; Your Well
- Cleaning Up After the Flood